Buhari Joins Other Nigerians In Congratulating Wizkid, Davido On MOBO Award Wins

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday, December 1, congratulated renowned hip-hop artistes, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (WizKid) and David Adedeji Adeleke (Davido), on their awards at the Music of Black Origin.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President joined the teeming fans of the artistes in Nigeria and all over the world in celebrating the recognition, which saw WizKid winning “International Best Artiste’’ award, while Davido picked the “Best African Act’’.

The statement read in part, “The President affirms that both singers have showcased the rich talents in the country, and brought pride to the nation through their many songs and performances, commending their dedication, hard work and charity works.

“President Buhari also calls on the upwardly mobile artistes to be cautious and mindful of likely distractions to their careers, urging WizKid and Davido to serve as ambassadors of the country and role models to upcoming musicians.”

‘After making me divorce my husband, my man friend dumped me’

My name is Marilyn, a 36-year-old woman. I am very bitter right now and I can’t stop blaming myself for the present mess I have found myself in.

I have jumped from the frying pan into the fire due to my greed and my urge for material things. I allowed my friends to lead me astray and now as I cry, they have all deserted me and I have no one to turn to.
I am writing this to warn other women in my shoes or who would be tempted with thinking the grass is greener out there that all that glitter is not gold.
Before I found myself in this predicament, I was married to Samson and we had two children but along the line, my husband lost his job and things became quite difficult for us.

The company he worked before the retrenchment gave us just three weeks to park out of our official quarters and we had to get a room and parlor apartment in a crowded house to manage while Samson tried to get another job.
All his efforts proved abortive and things went from bad to worse when our children had to stop school when they were sent home because of fees.
My small business was all we depended on and when things became too difficult for us to bear, my friend Adaugo, promised to introduce me to a rich chief who could help.
When we went to see the man, he told me he would only help me if I allowed him to sleep with me. Initially, I refused and told him I was a married and he told me to leave his guest house as he was not ready to throw his money away on someone he would not gain anything from.
After about some months and with our landlord giving us just one week to park out of his house when we could not renew our rent, I went back to Adaugo who took me to the chief again and he insisted on sleeping with me and I had no option but to agree.
That was the beginning of my journey to this quagmire. The after sleeping with me, chief gave me money with which I used to pay our rent and lied to my husband that I got a loan from our women cooperative.
I was able to restock my shop and even expanded it and got two other shops. I was now able to travel to Dubai and China to buy goods for me shops.
I kept seeing the chief and he spoilt me silly with money and other material things and with time, I even gave Samson money to set up a business and when he asked where I got the money from, I told him I was involved in a contributory scheme.

But somewhere along the line, chief told me he was no longer comfortable with me sneaking around to see him and said he wanted to make me his third wife and I must leave my husband.
Like a sheep being led to the slaughter slab, I agreed to leave my husband and marry chief. I guess he must have hypnotized because I just packed out of my home and moved into one of chief’s houses and despite several remonstrations from my family and that of my husband and church members, I was not ready to listen to anyone.
But the scale has been lifted off my eyes after living with chief as a common-law wife for two years when he came one day and told me to vacate his house as his new wife was coming in.
I thought he was joking but he sent his boys who forcefully threw my things out of the house and told me never to come close to chief again.
Not only that, he has also closed my shops and the accounts he opened for me and I am now the greatest loser anyone can think of.
My husband and children would not have anything to do with me while my family has disowned me for bringing shame to them.
Marilyn.”
Dear readers, after going through Marilyn’s story on Morning Teaser today, what do you think she should do?

Tinubu Is Nigeria’s Greatest Politician Alive – Says Obanikoro

A former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, has described the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as Nigeria’s greatest politicians alive.

Obanikoro said this on Saturday in Lagos while formally announcing his defection from PDP to APC.

In his speech, ‘The Exigency of Time and the Dynamism of Politics’, the former PDP chieftain said defecting to the APC was a homecoming for him.

“To me and to all my associates, it is a return to our natural habitat. This (APC) is my home. My political voyage started from this association and I am proud to have learnt under our great leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. The late Chief Obafemi Awolowo is the greatest politician of all time and I make bold to say the greatest politician of our time is Tinubu.

"At this stage of my life, it is important for me to return to my original base and be part of the giant strides being achieved in Lagos State which would not have been possible without the sagacity of the architect of our modern democracy – my indefatigable boss, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu,” Obanikoro said.

Speaking on why he joined the APC, he said, “I am already fulfilled. I have traversed the length and breadth of this country and I believe that Lagos stands tall among other states in Nigeria. Today, we are the fifth largest economy in Africa and Governor (Akinwunmi) Ambode is working assiduously to make Lagos the third largest economy and transit from a megacity to a smart city.

“I want to be part of this project. I’ve re-dedicated myself to the progress and prosperity of Lagos.”

5 Reasons Why Atiku Could Defeat Buhari Should Election Holds Today, By Abubakar Dahiru ...No 2 and 3 Will Shock You

1. Money Politics

ATIKU has money and he is not afraid to spend it unlike Buhari who is poor (as he claimed) and may not encourage excessive spending to win elections. Nigerian politics is still by and large defined by deep pockets

2. Performance

Buhari hasn't performed to the expectations and satisfaction of a lot of Nigerians. ATIKU could cash in on this lapse to win support of many Nigerians




3. Democratic credentials

Even though Buhari had during the past 2years proven that he could be a democrat, a lot of Nigerians still feel Atiku will guarantee them more dividends of democracy due to his astute involvement in the battle for enthronement of democracy in the past

4. Geographical leanings

While any day anytime Buhari would floor Atiku in the Northwest and Northeast but we must not forget that Nigeria is beyond these two regions. Other regions in the south has persistently accused Buhari of nepotism, while those in the Northcentral accuse him of tribal despotism which could aid Atiku Abubakar to easily defeat Buhari in the South south and Southeast while still maintaining a comfortable leap in the Southwest and North central giving him control of four(4) regions out of six(6). Not withstanding that Atiku could also secure a sizeable chunk of votes in the two regions where Buhari has an edge.

5. Youth &women participation

Buhari has so far passed a vote of no confidence on youth and women judging from his appointments so far. Atiku may be able to lure these disgruntled but powerful groups towards his candidacy if he shows them he would grant them inclusiveness in his government.



However; if sincerity, credibility, and trust are the only credentials for consideration by the electorates, then PMB should win flawlessly, but this is Nigeria. It takes much more than that and give and take Atiku Abubakar has got what it takes any day

Atiku will certainly be a huge hurdle for PMB come 2019

Culled from Facebook

SEE Buhari's 2015 Campaign Poster That Got Nigerians Thinking In 2016

As President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration of ‘change’ under the banner of the All Progressives Congress clocks a year in less than four days, a section of Nigerians are currently gnashing their teeth in sober reflection over the campaign promises of the ruling party.

The campaign poster in question Above is an election campaign poster of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi

Osinbajo during the highly heated presidential election in Nigeria last year, 2015.

The poster promises a 24-hour supply of electricity which has been a historical challenge in Nigeria since the adoption of democracy in the year 1999.

Although this wasn’t stated on the All Progressives Congress’s party manifesto in a verbatim form, Nigerians are currently licking their wounds as a result of reduced power supply and a 45% increment in electricity tariffs.

The power generation in the country currently stands at 1,400 Megawatts which is a far cry from the minimum of 25,000MW needed to illuminate the 36 states in Nigeria with a population of over 170 million.

A top commenter on social media has this to say: “On behalf of Me, Myself and I, I Felicitate with the Lying Liars on the occasion of their one year in office. Well done Sir!! “Nigerians are thanking you for the light wey no blink since May 29th 2015!! More palm oyel to your elbows!!! Up Change!!!

As Nigerians Groans Amidst Total Blackout, See What Fashola Was Caught Doing On Duty

The former governor-minister was caught on camera taken god nap. 

Obasanjo, Atiku, Duke, Others Linked To New Political Party; Tinubu's Name Too Filters Ahead 2019

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, an unconfirmed report says is leading a pack of top politicians including his former Vice President. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former senate president Ken Nnamani and former Cross River State Governor Mr. Donald Duke, among others, to float a new political party ahead of the 2019 general elections apparently in dissatisfaction with the performance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government led by President Muhammadu Buhari, Frontier News reports

It gathered authoritatively, Frontier News says that the new party formation, which is billed for lunch in November 2016 also has Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal and his predecessor Senator Aliyu Wamako as coordinator of Sokoto state while Senator Musa Kwakwaso is to oversee Kano state.

Other coordinators of the yet to be named mega party our correspondent gathered are Senator Adamu Aliero who is to coordinate Kebbi state, MrsAll Progressives Congress  who is to coordinate Akwa Ibom, the current secretary to the Edo State government Professor Julius Ihonvbere is to coordinate Edo State while Mr. Jimi Agbaje is to coordinate Lagos state. The name of Ogun born politician Mr. Bode Mustapha also featured in the new political arrangement.

Some governors of the South-South and South-East, who are serving their second terms in office our correspondent gathered are also deeply involved in the political arrangement but with the promise of vice presidential slot while  present and former governors of the North have also been linked to the new party.

Though the name of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was linked to the new party, an insider told Frontiersnews that Obasanjo is strongly opposed to the inclusion of his former deputy in the party.

A source, who spoke to our correspondent, on condition of anonymity said ” Obasanjo is blocking the inclusion of Atiku Abubakar because of their old quarrel. We are beginning to see the former VP returning to the PDP before 2019 because the APC will certainly not give him the ticket in 2019″.

Top political leaders in both the ruling APC, the PDP and other political parties in the country have also been linked with the new party as consultation intensifies.

An inside source told our correspondent on Monday that key members of the National Assembly, some serving ministers, former governors and a host of other powerful individuals in the country swell the rank of the new political group.

The source stated that in the months ahead, “you are going to see alignment and realignment of political interests. As for the APC and the PDP, there survival will be dependent on their ability to manage their crisis”.

Our correspondent’s investigations revealed that APC strongman Senator Bola Tinubu is already mobilising his supporters to consolidate their hold on the South West bloc and possibly reawaken “his old political bloc”.

Tinubu’s key allies and diehard loyalists who the source said are very unhappy in APC and with the President Muhammadu Buhari’s government are already mobilising to recreate the old Alliance for Democracy (AD) platform ahead of the 2019 general elections, another top politician confirmed.

The source said this development is also applicable to the Atiku Abubakar and the Bukola Saraki’s blocs.

The promoters of the yet to be named political party, the online medium said were undecided wether to create a completely new political platform or leverage on an already registered party and build it into a mega party to form a formidable opposition party to the APC and the PDP in the political landscape.

#Dasuki Gate: Why I Opted To Refund The N400m - Metuh

Chief Olisa Metuh, the former national publicity secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), through his counsel, has revealed why his client has agreed to return 400 million naira allegedly received illegally from the national security adviser, Sambo Dasuki.

Speaking to journalists in court yesterday, May 25, Metuh’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu said that since his client have shown sufficient evidence that he (Metuh) did not know the source of N400 million transferred to his company account by Dasuki, he is willing to refund the said amount.

“Chief Metuh had shown sufficient evidence that he was not aware of the source of the N400 million made available to him by the former President and he has shown his willingness, since the commencement of this matter, to refund the said sum even when there is no guilt knowledge,” Ikpeazu said as reported by The HeraldNG

Ikpeazu also said that having lost an application made at the Appeal Court, his client has the right to go ahead to the Supreme Court to seek justice.

“There are issues in the Appeal Court ruling the defence team is not comfortable with, after due consultation with our client, he will instruct us on the next action. The client has the right of appeal all the way to the Supreme Court,” he added.

Ikpeazu also commented on the ruling that prevents Metuh from seeking medical help abroad.

“What is important to us for now is the health situation of the defendant whose situation has continued to deteriorate. Even the constitution recognizes the fact that an accused should be alive and fit to face trial and defend himself,” he said.

Ese Oruru delivers baby girl

Rescued Ese Oruru has given birth to a baby girl, Thursday, in Yenagoa.

The 14-year-old was allegedly abducted in Bayelsa State last August and taken to Kano State where she was converted to lslam and married out without the consent of her parents had since her return to Yenagoa live at the Police Officers mess in Yenagoa.

According to Vanguard, Ese Oruru was said to have gone into labour this morning and was taken to the Government House Clinic where she was delivered of a baby girl.

Uproar As Dambazzau Appoints Northerners To Heads All Agencies In Interior Ministry

Against the principle of federal character in the country, Minister of Interior Gen. Abdurahaman Dambazzau has appointed his kins men from the north to head all the para-military agencies under his ministry.

The appointments are therefore, generating reactions from the stakeholders in the ministry who are seem not comfortable with the decision of Gen. Dambazzau.

The four agencies are the Nigeria Immigration service (NIS) with Mohammed Babandede, who hails from Kano state where the minister comes from appointed the Comptroller General. The Nigeria Prison Service (NPS) with Ahmed Ja’afaru, who hails from Bauch state as the Controller-General.

Before now, Comptroller General Abdullahi Gana from Niger state, has been the head of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence (NSCDC) while Controller General of Federal Fire Service (FFS) Eng. Anebi hails from Benue state in the North-central is the head of the agency.

Before the appointment of Ahmed Ja’afaru in Nigeria Prisons, the recently retired CG, Dr Peter Ezenwa Ekpendu, had handed over to a Yoruba man, Babatunde, but the Minister turned down the arrangement an Assistant Controller General Ja’afaru.

It was however, gathered that national headquarters and formations across the country of NPS were thrown into mourning immediately the news got to them on the appointment of Ja’afaru as CG.

Some of the officers who spoke with newsmen that visited the headquarters for reaction, confided them that “Ja’afaru’s appointment was a total surprise to everybody. This is a man who stood on our promotions for fourteen years as officer in charge of administration.”

At the Nigeria Immigration Service, it was gathered that the interior minister engineered Martin Kure Abeshi’s compulsory retirement despite the grace of an extension of service given him by the federal government under President Goodluck Jonathan, to create space for his preferred candidate Mohammed Babandede.

One of NIS top officers, however, revealed that the new CG, who had wanted to be one since the days former interior minister Comrade Abba Moro, had all the security reports working against him.

Credit: 247ureports

PDP claims Buhari is critically ill, set to be flown abroad

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged that President Muhammadu Buhari is critically ill and set to be flown out for medical treatment.

The PDP via its official Twitter handle claimed that the President is currently receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment at the Presidential Villa preparatory to his going abroad.

There is no official confirmation or denial of the claim by the PDP from the Presidency.

Fulani Herdsmen In Ekiti State Make Shocking Move Following Fayose’s Ban

Fulani herdsmen from Ilorin, Kwara state, have appealed to the Ekiti state governor, Ayodele Fayose, to lift the ban placed on open grazing in Ekiti State.

The governor had during his visit to Oke Ako in Ikole Local Government on Monday, announced the ban on open grazing, advising farmers interested in cattle rearing to have their private ranches.

The Seriki of the Fulani from Ilorin, Alhaji Mahmood Ahmadu, stated that his members were not responsible for any wrongdoing.

Ahmadu, who said he had over 100,000 members in the state, said those who had their residences and property in Oke Ako, Irele and Ipao Ekiti had vacated them as a result of the order given by the governor that any cattle seen around the vicinity must be killed.


Ahmadu promised that his people would join hands with the governor to bring the perpetrators of the nefarious act to book and to secure the state and prevent it from being attacked by killer herdsmen.

“Ilorin Fulani herdsmen are not killers, we are responsible citizens. I have been in Ado Ekiti for 40 years. My people had property in different locations and are now living in palpable fear,” he said.

FG bows to labour, appoints Muhammed Buba PPPRA chairman

The Federal Government on Wednesday announced the appointment of Alhaji Mohammed Buba as the Chairman of Petroleum Products ‎Pricing Regulatory Agency.

Buba, a former Managing Director of Petroleum Products Marketing Company, was appointed following the demand labour that government should reconstitute the board of the agency.

The Board of PPPRA which has the statutory role of determining and fixing the prices of petroleum products has not been constituted ‎for over four years.

Labour had argued that had the board been in place, the issue of the misunderstanding in the price regulation would not have arisen.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal, who made the announcement after the meeting held in his office with the Ayuba Wabba faction of Nigeria Labour Congress, said President Muhammadu Buhari, had approved the appointment.

READ ALSO  8 LP members die in Ebonyi auto crash
The meeting was to review issues involved in the new pump price of premium motor spirit, also known as petrol, which had been fixed at N145 per litre.

The Board of PPPRA, which has the statutory role of determining and fixing the prices of petroleum products, has not been constituted ‎for over four years.

The SGF said that a 16-man committee had been set up to look into the various issues that emanated from the hike in price of petrol such as the minimum wage, implementation of the N500bn palliative in the 2016 budget as well as the review of the pump price.


He said, “We just finished our meeting with the NLC and I’m happy to announce that we had a very successful meeting with an outcome that will make every Nigerian happy. First of all on the side of the government, we want to thank the NLC for their magnanimity in calling off the strike. And we thank Nigerians for being patient while the strike lasted.

“In this meeting, we have arrived at some major decisions. First of all, you will recall that before we adjourned the last meeting, we had basically decided to discuss three major issues.


“One was the issue of the minimum wage for workers, both in government and in the private sectors. And also labour had raised the issue of requirement to be involved in the implementation of half a trillion naira amount of money in the budget for palliative for Nigerians that are on the fringe of society economically.”

The SGF added that Buba had accepted the appointment.

BOAT CONVEYING 28 PASSENGERS CAPSIZES IN IKORODU LAGOS

Pandemonium struck on Wednesday in the Ikorodu Area of Lagos State as a boat conveying 28 passengers reportedly capsized.

The incident which occurred at Origin Jetty, few meters after sailing, saw the entire passengers trapped under the boat which had sunk into the water.
As at press time, 27 persons have been reportedly rescued.

An unnamed official of the Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA, told New Telegraph, that the incident occurred when the ‎boat rammed into wooden logs on the waterway just after it sailed off from the shore.

The official said, “27 passengers have been rescued out of 28 people in the boat by LASWA water guards.

“Efforts to rescue the remaining passenger are ongoing while agency has also commenced investigations into the accident.”

“You have not seen anything yet": T.B. Joshua's new prophecy on food scarcity in Nigeria

On Sunday May 22, 2016, T.B. Joshua of the Synagogue Church Of All Nations (SCOAN), made some shocking revelations on his Emmanuel TV station concerning Nigeria and the world at large.  The ‘prophet’ spoke on many issues including the recent EgyptAir crash, African politics and agriculture, even warning of a terrorist attack in the United Kingdom.



He read out a transcript of the prophecies he had given during his New Year’s Crossover Service, highlighting particularly the national food scarcity. On each point read, he expanded further, detailing what Nigeria and Africa are to expect in the nearest future.

FOOD SCARCITY
“There will be large scale scarcity, shortage of food. As a state, country, continent, we have to go back to the farm to arrest, to alleviate the forthcoming situation”, he read. Further expanding on the details of the prophecy, he said, “It is only a ‘shortage’ that you are experiencing now; you have not experienced ‘large scale.’ ” Giving further insight, he proclaimed, “This one that I am saying now, ‘scarcity’, ‘large scale’, it's a proverb. Whatever you can do from now till December - all of your money you will use to buy food - you will not have enough to buy.”

Advising those in the real-estate business he said, “If you are the type planning to build a house now, stop it for the mean time. If you are in the business of buying land, stop it for the mean time - look for another business. Stop it for the mean time until February next year. Use that money on the need of people now.”

Giving a sombre warning, he said, “I'm preparing you. Get ready; lager scale scarcity is coming!”

In the last few days, Nigerians have woken up to the stark reality of the rising food scarcity. Several reports were released on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday detailing the extent of the current national food woes. Tomato ebola, violence from fulani herdsmen, missed harvests and rising transportation costs have all been attributed as the cause of the food shortage and spiralling food prices.


On the rise of "tomato ebola", Kaduna state agriculture commissioner, Manzo Daniel, said: "This is only the beginning of a disaster if we don’t take drastic measures because the disease is fast spreading across the north.”

NIGERIA'S ECONOMY
On the economic plight Nigerians are facing, Joshua read from his beginning of year prophecies: “The president will do everything to reject devaluation of the naira – which is a good idea from a good leader. But there will be overwhelming pressure which he will not be able to resist. Nigeria, we are in a valley. The future is crying for help.”
Expanding on the ‘valley’, Joshua said: “I explained that we are in a valley but it is not the valley of the shadow of death. There is no snake or scorpion, it's different. When you are in the valley you will cry and cry but you will still get out of the valley.”

“You have to continue to cut your coat according to your size. Don't just continue to spend your money on something that won't be able to help you. Spend your money on something that the whole world will be looking for - food, shelter.”

AFRICAN POLITICS
Moving on the political climate in Africa, Joshua noted: “African leaders should quickly arrest the political situation. 50% of counties that do elections, at least 45% of them will face crisis.  More African countries will be under siege by terrorists because of pros and cons in choosing leaders. Mishandling of electoral processes will create a conducive atmosphere for terrorists.”

UK TERROR WARNING
Joshua also claimed to have seen an attack in the United Kingdom. He said: “Pray for the United Kingdom like the railways, people, and crowds where people gather because I'm seeing some funny people in their country. But I am seeing with prayer and proper security it will be avoided but there will be a sign or trace that this happened but it will not happen the way that it was supposed to have happened but they will know that something happened there.”

The day following Joshua's warning, 27 schools had to close nationwide in the UK due to a bomb scare. Apparently, anonymous repeated calls were made to each school, warning of explosive devices. The callers told the receptionists that "if the school called the police the bomb would be detonated immediately". The threats continued on Tuesday with more schools being evacuated.

ANOTHER PLANE INCIDENT
On the Egypt Air crash, Joshua said: “Egypt has happened and the other one I am seeing is very close and I am going to say the country and the place. This one that I am seeing now is bigger than the one that happened. This one is very close now.
Every airport security must be tight. You should be careful who you employ to fly as a pilot or flight attendant because they too will apply for this kind of job and they will be patient enough; if it is one or two years they will be patient until the achieve their goal.”

The cleric dishes out national and international predictions on a regular basis, using the platform of his Sunday services, broadcast live on his Emmanuel TV.



While some embrace his prophecies, upholding him as an end-time prophet, others are highly sceptical. Despite mixed reactions to his prophecies and purported miracles, Joshua has a huge following worldwide, with his YouTube Channel having over 350,000 subscribers and 2.2million following him on Facebook.

NIGERIA MADE MISTAKE DEPENDING SOLELY ON OIL, WE ARE NOW DIVERSIFYING ECONOMY — BUHARI

According to President Muhammadu Buhari, his administration was vigorously pursuing the diversification project.

“We made a terrible mistake by becoming a mono-product economy hinged on oil and we are now in a volatile situation, due to the crash in oil prices.

“We have seen the benefits of diversification which helped Iran to survive many years of sanctions and still came out strong”, he said.

“We are now fully committed to economic diversification. Most of the things on our import bills can be produced here. And we are determined to achieve that self-dependency,” he said.

Naira depreciates further against dollar

The Naira on Wednesday weakened further against the dollar at the parallel market, barely 24 hours after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) moved for the adoption of a flexible exchange rate.

The naira sold at N350, weakening further from its rate on Tuesday when it went for N347 to a dollar.
The Pounds Sterling and the Euro opened at N385 and N380 and closed at N390 and N385 respectively.


Traders at the market said that they were keenly watching out for the impact of the new foreign exchange policy of the apex bank at the market.

CBN, at the end of its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on Tuesday, adopted a flexible exchange policy for the economy, a move financial experts said was long overdue.

In his remark, Mr Harrison Owoh, a Bureau De Change (BDC) operator, said that the new policy would frustrate currency speculation and hoarding.
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Drama! ASUU Announces date for suspension of strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nasarawa State University, Keffi chapter, said on Wednesday that members would only suspend their ongoing strike when they receive bank alerts of the 20 per cent out of the total Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) owed them by the institution.

Dr Theophilus Daniel-Lagi, branch Chairman of ASUU, made this known on Wednesday while addressing newsmen at the end of the union’s meeting in Keffi. Daniel-Lagi said that the union had shifted its ground to receive the 20 per cent out of the 40 per cent, while the remaining 20 per cent would be paid by December following the intervention of the University Governing Council and other stakeholders in the state.


“The aim of this meeting is to brief members of the union on the outcome of our meeting between the state University Governing Council, some state stakeholders and some traditional rulers, among others. “On May 23, 2016, a meeting was called at the instance of the Chairman of the Governing Council of the University, Bishop Mathew Kuka, and those who were in attendance for a positive way forward included the Emir of Keffi, Dr Shehu Chindo Yamusa III and Etsu Karu, Pharm. Luke Panya Baba.

“Others are the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Adamu Baikie, and ASUU executives, and the aim of the meeting was to find solutions on how to resolve the impasse between ASUU and the university’s administration.

“In summary, in the spirit of industrial harmony, we have agreed with some issues and agreed in principle to suspend the strike subject to certain conditions that 20 per cent of our allowances should be paid before we suspend the ongoing strike.

“Forty per cent was supposed to be liquidated by March based on the agreement we had with the university administration but we shifted ground this time around because of the intervention of the spirited individuals, elders and traditional rulers, among other stakeholders.

“So, the ball is in the hands of the university administration and the state government as they said they have the money. Pay us the money and then we will go back to work and we will only suspend the strike if our members see or receive their bank alert,’’ he said. Daniel-Lagi called for cooperation and understanding of the members of the public towards the ongoing strike, adding that the indefinite strike was in the interest of the institution and education in the state.

The ASUU chairman restated their commitment to continue to give students and the university community their best so as to improve on the standard of education in the state. On March 7, ASUU of Nasarawa State University embarked on an indefinite strike.

 The demands include the general funding of the university, review of the university law to conform with the 2003 Act as obtained in other public universities, promotion guidelines, tax relief and Earned Academic Allowance.

NLC Chairman Sacked, Govt. Says He's A 'Ghost Worker' for 27yrs

The Nigeria Labour Congress Chairman in Kogi State, Mr. Onuh Edoka has been sacked by the Kogi State Government after 27 years in service, claiming he is a 'ghost worker', News Punch understands

Mr. Edoka was one of about 9000 people sacked following a screening exercise to weed out illegal workers from the 21 local government areas of the state, Premium Times reports

Mr. Edoka, who serves as head of both the Medical Health Workers Union and the NLC in the state, said he was employed in 1989, and currently serves as a Disease and Surveillance Officer in the state.

He said he was baffled by the result of the screening exercise headed by Paul Okuntimo, a retired general, who gained notoriety for his role in the incarceration of the late activist, Saro Wiwa.

“The General’s committee claims that I submitted the wrong bank statements. But they only asked for my statement of accounts for the past two years which I submitted,” Premium Times quoted Mr. Edoka to have said yesterday.

Speaking on behalf of the state chapter of the NLC, Mr Edoka said the workers union would take to the streets to challenge the government’s actions.

“The government just got a bailout based on the current staff strength. Suddenly they want to retrench workers to divert the funds even though some of these workers have not been paid for over 23 months,” he said.

“The NLC is saying that these people are not ghost workers. They are living beings and we are ready to bring them out on the streets of Lokoja so that the world can see that they are not ghosts but real workers of Kogi state,” Mr Eboka said.

The government said the screening process was transparent and designed to identify persons who gained employment or obtained promotions fraudulently.

Gbenga Olorunpomi, a media aide to Gov. Yayaha Bello of Kogi State, said some of the workers who failed the screening exercise did not furnish the committee with the required information.

“For example, many of them refused to supply their BVNs [Bank Verification Numbers]. This automatically brings up the question of why they don’t have BVNs if they don’t have anything to hide,” he said, adding that the current list is merely a preliminary list and that the said workers would be given the opportunity to rectify any deficiency.

“The governor has assured the people that no legitimate worker in Kogi state will be sacked. But there are some people who got into the system fraudulently. For those people, we have no apologies,” Mr. Olorunpomi said.

A new list, which will clarify the reasons for the screening failure, is expected to be released within the week.

Credit: Premium Times

Former Nigerian Minister, Gen. Abubakar Tanko Ayuba, Dies

Nigeria's Former Communications Minister, Major General Abubakar Tanko Ayuba ((retd) is dead, according to a report from Vanguard.

He died on Wednesday afternoon at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

Gen. Ayuba attended Nigerian Military School and Nigerian Defence Academy . He was commissioned second lieutenant, Signals Corps, 1967; second-in-command, Signals Regiment, 1967, adjutant, 2 Signals Regiment, 1970, company commander, 1971, brigade major, 1972, commanding officer, 1973, commandant, Nigerian Army School of Signals, 1978 Career: Commanding officer, 2 Signals Regiment, 1979, commander, 1979-80, commander, Signals Brigade, 1980-81, commander, Army Headquarters, Signals Group, 1981-84, commander, Corps of Signals, 1984-85.

He was appointed member, Armed Forces Ruling Council, 1985; minister of Communications, 1985-87, promoted colonel, 1986, director of Manning, Army Head quarters, Lagos, 1988-90 and was appointed military governor of Kaduna State, 1990.

He was elected Senator representing Kebbi South constituency in 2007.

43,000 ‘ghost workers’ uncovered in Nigerian security agencies

The Head of the Continuous Audit team of the Federal Government, Mohammed Dikwa, on Tuesday said N50 billion was saved so far through the audit of security agencies payroll.
Mr. Dikwa said this in Abuja at a meeting between the Continuous Audit team, Minister of Finance and Heads of Para-Military agencies.
President Mohammadu Buhari had set up the Continuous Audit team to look into the payroll of all Federal Government’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
The team had already embarked on the audit of the Military payroll and enrolling them on the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
“Since we started the continuous audit programme, we have saved about N50 billion and over 43,000 ghost workers have been removed from the payroll of the federal government.
“And as we go on, we are very sure that we will continue to reduce the cost of federal government payroll.
“Please note the cost is not related to ghost workers alone but with allowances which we believe have to be trimmed down so that we can manage the cost of governance,’’ he said.
Mr. Dikwa said officers from the account departments of all the para-militray agencies were currently undergoing training on IPPIS and the Government Management Information System (GIFMIS)


He said the plan was to have all the agencies enrolled on the IPPIS and GIFMIS at the end of the month once the training was completed.
Similarly, the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, said the audit of the para-military payroll would focus mainly on non-regular allowances of security officers.
She said initial investigations had revealed that these allowances had created avenues for unscrupulous persons within the system to steal money.
“The president has given the directive that all ministries and agencies of the Federal Government be enrolled on the IPPIS latest December, 2016.
“This meeting is to discuss the modalities of how this will be achieved; specifically, there are number of allowances described as the non-regular allowances.
“We have to make sure that these non-regular allowances are paid directly to those who are serving. And the best way to do that is through an automated system.
“This system will be linked to BVN so the money is going to specific individuals rather than being diverted elsewhere.
“Whoever is paid irregular allowances for hazard, risk or other extraneous factors, it is important that the money gets to them.
“The people taking the risk should be paid, otherwise the service they are expected to render will be in jeopardy,’’ she said.
Mrs. Adeosun said that one of the advantages of the IPPIS was that delays in payment of salaries and allowances of security personnel would be a thing of the past.
She reassured members that the details gathered through the IPPIS would be kept safe so that identities of security operatives would not be compromised.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Bassey Akpanyung, pledged the ministry’s support to ensure that all the security agencies under its control complied for the success of the process.
NAN reports that heads of Customs, Immigration, Prisons, Police, Fire Service and Civil Defence were present at the meeting.

(NAN)

BREAKING NEWS: Buhari Appoints New Director Generals For NOA NTA FRCN others

The Federal Government has appointed the Chief Executives of six
information-related parastatals under the Ministry of Information and
Culture.
The appointments were announced in Abuja on Wednesday by the Minister
of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

The new Chief Executives are:

1. Mr. Ishaq Modibo Kawu - Director-General, Nigerian Broadcasting
Commission (NBC
2. Mr. Mansur Liman - Director-General, Federal Radio Corporation of
Nigeria (FRCN)
3. Mr. Yakubu Mohammed - Director-General, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA)
4. Dr. Garba Abari, Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA)
5. Mr. Bayo Onanuga - Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
6. Mr. Osita Okechukwu - Director-General, Voice of Nigeria (VON)
The new appointees replace the Chief Executives of the parastatals who
were disengaged on Feb. 15th 2016
The appointments take immediate effect
Segun Adeyemi
SA to Hon Minister of Information and Culture
Abuja,
May 25th 2016

Nigeria's Senator Found Dead In a Pond

The Deputy National Chairman of Ohaneze Ndigbo and one-time senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Offia Nwali, was found dead inside a pond at the back of his home in Ameka Community, Ezza South local government area of Ebonyi State on Saturday May 21st. The 74 year old former senator, was found dead by his relatives.

The spokesperson of the Ebonyi state police command, ASP George Okafor while confirming the report, said investigations are ongoing as to determine whether he was killed and his corpse dumped inside the pond or whether he drowned in the pond.

“We cannot establish whether he drowned inside the pond or whether he was killed but investigations have commenced to unravel the mystery behind his death. We have not made any arrest so far but we assure the citizens of the state that we would ensure that the matter is investigated to its logical conclusion,” he said.
Nwali was one of the first Africans to obtain a doctorate degree in Computer and Analytical Studies from Harvard University, U.S. He lost his entire family in a Forker 28-plane crash at the Enugu Airport in 1983 but later remarried.

His corpse has since been deposited at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki mortuary.

Dead Body Of A 22-Year-Old Corper Found By The Roadside In Lagos

The corpse of the boy in question named, Igali Ifiemi's was yesterday discovered at a roadside in Berger, Lagos. Prior to the discovery of his corpse, his Facebook account was cleared out with all his photos deleted in the early hours of yesterday morning. Read the post shared by the deceased's aunt Mic Conquer Igali on Facebook yesterday:

"My heart is heavy, my eyes are red. My Nephew, Ifiemi Igali, 22, studied Geography and Environmental management and a Batch A stream 2 Corper posted to Benue, was found dead yesterday in Lagos. His body was discovered abandoned by the roadside along a lonely street by Berger. We suspect he was murdered. Shortly after the call came through that his body was found, his Facebook account got cleaned out. No single content was left behind. I suspect something on his timeline was incriminating enough to worth the pain of a guilty person going through it and erasing everything. On thursday, he informed family members that he was going to Amassoma, to Niger Delta University, to collect his statement of result. His whattsapp was last active on Friday evening. No Family member was informed he was travelling to anywhere else but NDU, Amassoama until a Policeman called from Lagos with his number to Identify his body found by Berger,(the Policeman described Berger as an outskirts of Lagos, a boundary with a neighbouring state). Please, anyone with information of either having seen him,talked to him or saw him post anything on his Facebook this past weekend should PLEASE DM me or text me on 08064573333. Thank you in advance. Conquer Igali"

SEE PHOTOS:

Photo: EFCC arraign woman for N4 million fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday, May 24, arraigned Dr. Love Obiani Iwori before Justice R. I. Ahiakwo of the Rivers State

High court sitting in Port Harcourt, on a one- count charge bordering on issuance of dishonored cheque to the tune of Four Million Naira (N4, 000, 000.00).

Dr. Obiani allegedly presented a cheque of N4million in payment for a 2008 model Toyota Avalon saloon car belonging to the complainant, Lawal Babangida, which on presentation at the bank was returned unpaid due to insufficient funds.

This Is What Buhari Will Tell Nigerians on May 29,2016 {PHOTO}

Nigerians are already anticipating President Muhammadu Buhari's May 29th speech. Using images, award wining cartoonist Mike Asukwo has illustrated what Nigerians should expect. 

WANTED Omisore Reacts to EFCC's Allegations {This Will Surprise You}

The former Osun state deputy governor who was declared wanted yesterday by EFCC for receiving N700 million from the office of the former National Security Adviser, NSA, has released a statement describing the EFCC’s action as blackmail.

Read the statement below..

I read the statement issued by the Econimic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) purportedly declaring me wanted as an attempt by that organisation and its leadership to tarnish my image. That statement, if indeed it was issued by the EFCC, is the height of mischief and a deliberate attempt to assassinate my character.
It is now very clear that the EFCC is indeed playing out the script of persecuting and harassing perceived opposition groups in the country. To be sure, there is no basis for the EFCC so-called statement. Only on Tuesday, May 24, we appeared in court with the EFCC asking for the permission of the court for an extension of time in the preliminary objection to a suit filed against me.

The Managing Director of Firmex Gill which the EFCC joined in their case indemnified me from the company’s contracts and any such obligations. In other words, there is nothing relating to me in the company’s contract deal with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The company has even sued the ONSA for its inability to pay the balance of the contract so awarded to it. Therefore, I am not aware of any issue relating to a contract sum of N700 million. There was no issue of N700 million anywhere.

The relationship between the company and ONSA is civil and contractual, which has nothing to do with me. Besides, so long as their business transactions are legitimate and since I am not directly managing the company, how am I to know who and who they do business with? The EFCC should not be seen playing the role of political victimisation of innocent individuals, coercion and blackmail. Sadly that is simply what this organisation has been doing. Blackmail, I strongly believe, won’t help EFCC.

If the organisation and its leadership think they have any case against me, they should come to court with their facts. This act of blackmail and deliberate tarnishing the image of perceived political enemies won’t help the image of the EFCC and it won’t get it result.

How can you declare someone you were in court with at 9.00a.m today wanted the same day, a few hours afterwards? I am appealing to all human rights and civil society organisations to caution EFCC from damaging my reputation further. If they have facts, I challenge them to bring them to court and not resort to blackmail, intimidation and victimisation.

POLICE RECRUITMENT: Police Fixes Date For Screening Nationwide: SEE 8 Things You Need To Know

The Nigerian Police Force recently began recruitment exercise to fill 10,000 approval by the Federal Government, the online registration which has ended few days; the police authority according report has fixed a date for examination and screening exercise for the shortlisted applicants from the over 800,000 that applied

The exercise is scheduled for JUNE 6th and will hold at the same time in the whole federation to avoid political and undue interference and is planned to be transparent and the best so far.Be informed that only successful candidates will be contacted at the end of the Exercise.'

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW..
1. Check your Mailbox regularly..gmail or whatever....a mail will only be sent to prospective candidates from Police Service Commission

2. Check your phone regularly...text message will be sent to only successful candidates.

3. A computerized selection is done by the Police Service Commission and weeded away those with suspicious age declarations, incomplete school record that did not tally with original date of birth, those who submitted incomplete data during logging in.

4. Computerized selected and contacted candidates will be notified on a specific date for screening at the state commands level, Only those invited for a day meant for categories will be considered..to avoid roundness

5.All contacted candidates should prepare to face a screening panel comprising Representatives of federal character commission,Police service commission, Senior officers from Abuja,Media, Police commissioner,Other senior officers and Command PPRO.

6. Candidates should not appear with Luggage as There will be Dog sniffers, Bomb experts in the venue.

7. Candidates will undergo aptitude tests and physical check ups,eyesight, deformities, protruded bellies, height and chest measurement.etc

8.ASP and Inspectorate cadres will terminate their screening at Force Headquarters while the Specialists will be tested based on their skills at the Zonal level. Good luck!

Credit: News Punch

FG begins process of appointing ambassadors, says minister

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, on Tuesday said the Federal Government had begun the process of appointing a new set of ambassadors to represent Nigeria in various countries of the world.

Onyeama stated this at a news conference to mark one year anniversary of President Mohammadu Buhari’s administration The 26 non-career ambassadors and ambassadors extraordinary and plenipotentiary on tour of duty abroad were recalled in June 2015.

They were among the 93 envoys posted out in 2012.

The minister explained that the reason for the delay in their appointment was that the current administration wanted to do a thorough job to ensure that very competent hands were sent out.

“It is a work in progress; it is being done and may be in short time we will have the list of ambassadors going to various countries.

“Sometimes, it is on the approach of getting the best hands.

“So we want to be very clear of the ones we send out to represent the country; we want to be sure we have representations that will reflect real vision of this government,” he said.

He said that government was set to implement all the agreements signed with various countries to achieve the goal of signing such pacts.

Onyeama said that government had set up an inter-ministerial committee to work on them, to ensure effective implementation of the agreement.

“So far, what we have done is to set up inter-ministerial committee and identified all the follow up actions and set up timeline for them.’’

The minister added that government had identified the ministries, departments and agencies that would be responsible for different aspects of what was required in the agreement.

“That is a very concrete follow up mechanism put in place to actualise the agreements,’’ he said.

VANGUARD

Forex: CBN throws Naira into open market, nullifies N197/$ exchange rate

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday, announced a flexible exchange rate regime aimed at making foreign currencies more accessible. With this action, the CBN has nullified the official exchange rate regime of N197/dollar. 

The CBN took the measure following severe pressures on external reserve and foreign exchange supply crisis.

Governor of the CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, who announced this at the end of the Monetary Policy Meeting, in Abuja, also said the Monetary Policy Rate, MPR, was retained at 12 per cent; Cash Reserve Ratio, 22.5 per cent; and Liquidity Ratio, 30 per cent.

In the face of severe pressures on external reserves and foreign exchange supply crises, the CBN abandoned its fixed rate policy in favour of a flexible and multiple market model, which implied a floating exchange rate regime.

The apex bank’s Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, which made this decision, chose to retain its Monetary Policy Rate, MPR, at 12 per cent, Cash Reserve Ratio, CRR, at 22.5 per cent and Liquidity Ratio at 30 per cent. Details of the new foreign exchange market policy, according to the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, would be released in due course. 

He, however, said the apex bank would retain a special window to fund critical transactions in foreign exchange, which would likely attract a concessionary rate. 

By this development, the interbank foreign exchange market, which has been dead for sometime now, is revitalised on unrestricted exchange rate basis, while the Bureaux de Change, BDCs, would continue their operations, thus creating multiple exchange windows. 

He, however, ruled out any consideration for channelling foreign exchange to the BDCs. Briefing the media after the MPC meeting, Emefiele explained that “the MPC voted unanimously to adopt a flexible exchange rate policy to restore the automatic adjustment properties of the exchange rate,” adding that it voted also to “retain a small window for funding critical transactions” and that “details of operations of the market would be released by the Central Bank at the appropriate time.” 

Policy implications

By the new exchange rate regime, CBN would allow the Naira to float against the US dollar at the inter-bank market, rather than holding on to a fixed peg. 

What this means, however, is that buyers of foreign exchange for importation of goods, holiday, school fees, medical tourism, online payments etc, will have to source from the inter-bank market-determined rates and will no longer be able to buy forex at N199 or whatever official rate the CBN decides to adopt.

By this development, the parallel market would have been suppressed, while there would be a near rate convergence among the different market segments except the special window.

It also means that round tripping and arbitrage have been curtailed. However, exchange rate is expected to spike, even as many dealers have already speculated that rates would go up by over 50 per cent today.

Analysts at Nairametrics said yesterday: “It is unclear how this will work as the CBN will need to put a massive structural operational framework in place to ensure this works perfectly. 

“A market determined rate will also require strong regulations around a market that involves everyone with prices that are market determined.

“One expects the black market to disappear as all you need to do is walk to the bank and ask to buy forex at the market rate.” Analysts questioned the wisdom of announcing a major shift in policy without spelling out how to implement it.

“Any real liberalisation would be accompanied by some tightening, as a stabilisation measure, at least in the short term,” said Razia Khan, Chief Africa Economist at Standard Chartered in London. “That does not appear to have been considered. This is at best curious, at worst very worrying.”

Reacting to the development, analysts from Cowry Assets Management Limited said: “The CBN adopted a more flexible exchange rate policy. A flexible exchange-rate system is a monetary system that allows the exchange rate to be determined by supply and demand. 

“In our opinion, the policy decisions will impact the economy on several fronts: We expect current inflationary pressure will continue unrestrained as budgetary disbursement commences. Also, Interest Rate is expected to continue to hover at current levels with an increased double digit outlook. Likely increase in liquidity mop up through Open Market Operation in response to expected increase in budgetary spending. Naira will remain under pressure ,as market forces adjust the fixed CBN’s clearing rate to a more realistic parallel market rate. There will likely be foreign exchange inflows from domiciliary accounts estimated at USD20 billion as currency exchange risk minimises and capital market activities expected to witness gradual recovery as foreign exchange risk diminishes, with the adoption of a more flexible exchange rate regime.”

Inflation to spike further 

However, analysts at Vetiva Capital Management expect inflation to spike in the near term. They said that “it is clear that the MPC has chosen its battle carefully, deciding to loosen one of the key impediments to economic growth (the FX illiquidity). Following from this, we expect the inflation picture to worsen in the near term as a result of the emergence of a new exchange rate to consumer prices. Like we had noted in our April inflation note, we expect inflation to recoil in 2017 from base effects. We believe this view could have further emboldened the MPC’s resolve to adopt the more flexible FX framework.”

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14 Things President Buhari Has Changed Since Assuming Power

The presidency over the months have been jibbed by many. While some see President Muhammadu Buhari’s government as slow and inactive, others see it as in capable of bringing the promised change.


However, one need to ask; have things remained how they were when President Muhammadu Buhari took over about a year ago? Certainly not! Here are 14 things that have changed:


1. The government closed 40 accounts in NNPC to give room for accountability.

2. The Port Harcourt and Warri refineries are back in operation with 60 per cent capacity and producing 7 million litres of PMS daily. The Kaduna refinery also resumed production at the end of the April, 2016.

3. President Buhari directed the CBN to disburse N689.5b as bailout to 27 states to pay salaries.

4. 34,000 The number of ghost workers draining the nation’s resources now expunged from the Federal Civil Service, saving N2.29b in the process.

5. President Buhari saved $1m by his directive stopping the appointment of a government delegation for pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

6. On assumption of office, the President cut down the number of ministries from 42 to 25 to reduce the cost of governance.

7. $321m The amount Switzerland will repatriate to Nigeria from the illicitly acquired wealth of the Gen. Sani Abacha family.

8. The Nigerian troops has rescued a total of 11,595 in the ongoing operations in the Northeast as at February 2016.

9. The Presidential Committee set up to probe contracts awarded by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) from 2011 to 2015 has recovered N7b.

10. The President secured a $5m support from U.S. government June last year and another $40m in April 2016 for the fight against the terrorists in the sub-region.

11. The government saves $1b annually by the elimination of the Offshore Processing Agreement (OPA) through the introduction of the Direct Sales and Direct Purchase (DSDP) scheme with reputable off-shore refineries

12. The Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna Refineries now produce 7m litres of PMS per day.

13. The implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) which stands at N3trillion has provided greater visibility of government revenues and cash flows. A war on high pedestal.

14. Buhari intensified the anti-corruption war which has led to the arrest of high profile public officers. Such cases include the ones against former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) spokesman Olisa Metuh, Daar Communications Chairman Dr Raymond Dokpesi and former Chief of Defence Staff Alex Badeh.